At a time when the norm is one good track on any given album, Bay Area act Zion I and Living Legend´s front–man The Grouch have created something different: a record comprised of 15 varied, soul–drenched, equally impressive tracks. The latest effort from these two formidable hip–hop acts, Heroes in the City of Dope, will have heads hyphy, uplifted, and pondering social ills?all within one album.
Tracks like "Current Affairs" calls for heads to reject sensationalistic news and mind control by the mass media. "Trigger" tackles the issues of the Homeland Security Act and the diminishing rights of everyday citizens. But Zion I and The Grouch never stick a formula. Take "Hit Em," featuring Bay Area Hyphy emcee Mistah F.A.B. Simple and bangin,´ the track demonstrates both these west coasts acts are too raw and versatile to be relegated to underground hip–hop.
"Our past collaborations?Silly Puddy and Flow?were always fan favorites," explains emcee Zion of Zion I of why the two acts decided to collaborate, "and the creativity just flows when we get together in the studio."
"We all share a strong connection with Oakland," adds The Grouch of the title that he says is also a spin on the Too $hort track on the 1989 Life Is?LP "A lot of beauty and hope has come out of the struggle here."
Guests on the record includes emcee Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, soul and funk rocker Martin Luther, the multi–talented singer Esthero and hyphy Bay Area favorite Mistah FAB. Production on Heroes in the City is handled by Amp Live. Guest producers include Headnodic (Crown City Rockers), Eligh (Living Legends), and The Grouch.Individually, Zion I and the Grouch both have notable track records. Zion I have released 3 critically acclaimed LPs, including Mind over Matter (1998), Deep Water Slang (2000), and True & Livin´ (2003) In addition to numerous EPs and mix tapes, Zion I was also featured on the Grammy –award winning group Linkin Park´s remix album, Reanimation. Zion I have been named Best Independent Album of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 by The Source magazine. As a founding member of the original do–it –yourself rap crew, The Living Legends, The Grouch has been at the forefront of the west coast´s independent rap movement for over a decade. The Living Legends continue to amass a devoted following of fans and have sold over 300,000 albums world–wide. As an artist outside the Legends, The Grouch has released 7 solo projects and 5 collaborative efforts including albums such as Fuck the Dumb (2000), Crusader for Justice (2003) and No More Greener Grasses (2004).With Heroes.., The Grouch and Zion I give fans an entire album of inspired tracks, proving again that they´re consummate artists and here to stay for the long hall.
For more information on Zion I & the Grouch, be sure to check them out on imeem.com.
